Talking to media persons after the foundation stone laying ceremony of Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) here, Mr Badal said that Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil had assured him of the early release of this grant, when they met yesterday in New Delhi.

Centre has already taken decision to release 100 crore each for both the cities in the National Committee on the commemoration of Gurta-Gaddi celebrations under the chairmanship of Union home minister.

The Chief Minister said that he also sought compensation of Rs 9.25 crore for farmers whose land fell beyond the border fence as they had been facing major hardship for country's defence.

The farmers will receive Rs 5,000 per acre for total affected area measuring 18,500 acres.

Mr Badal admitted that though fiscal position of the state was not so healthy still the government will soon release the 6 per cent installment of dearness allowance to its employees.

When media persons asked about the appointment of controversial Dr. Jasbir Singh Ahuluwalia as the vice chancellor of Guru Granth Sahib University- since a case of sexual harassment was still pending against him in Patiala court- Mr Badal said so far he had not been convicted in the court of law yet. ''If convicted, he will be replaced immediately,'' added Mr Badal.

When asked to comment on the quarrel between Takhat Jathedars, the chief minister said that he will not interfere in the religious matters adding that ''they were self-sufficient to tackle the situation at their own''.